(Phnom Penh, Cambodia – October 22, 2025) — As the GBC and JBC bilateral meetings continue under a tense atmosphere, the latest reports from the Cambodian–Thai border indicate that Thai soldiers have continued clearing land in areas belonging to Cambodian civilians, particularly within zones designated on the ceasefire map.
Analysts view such actions as deliberate attempts to “create tension before the signing day,” possibly to sow confusion or delay the signing ceremony scheduled for October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, on October 21, Thailand’s Minister of National Defense was quoted by Thai media as warning that if the GBC and JBC meetings did not achieve successful outcomes, “Thailand will not sign the peace agreement.”
Political observers and international analysts regard this statement as a transitional political message intended to exert pressure on Cambodia and test the patience of the Royal Government at the final hour before signing. It reflects a form of psychological brinkmanship—a tactic designed to heighten tension and secure last-minute leverage.
Under the calm cloud of peace, however, a complex diplomatic storm is gathering along the border. Many analysts have voiced concern that such disruptions could become a political disaster, potentially undermining the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, which is to be signed in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
*Trump’s Peace Initiative That Thailand Should Not Undermine
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement, soon to be signed between the top leaders of Cambodia and Thailand, is not an ordinary treaty. It represents the first peace agreement in ASEAN history to carry official guarantees from both the United States and Malaysia as international witnesses.
If Thailand continues to interfere along the border or provoke military actions just days before the signing, analysts warn that a swift and firm response from U.S. President Donald Trump could follow.
President Trump is widely regarded as a leader who does not tolerate violations or disrespect of treaties in which he has personally acted as a witness. He once declared a now-famous political principle:
“Peace has a price — and those who break it will pay.”
This statement is not merely rhetoric but a clear warning that peace under U.S. guarantee carries real political and strategic value.
Therefore, Thailand’s continued provocations are not simply regional disturbances; they are a direct challenge to the power, honor, and credibility of the United States. Violating this peace could severely damage the strategic Thailand–U.S. relationship, potentially causing Thailand to lose its status as one of Washington’s key partners in Southeast Asia.
For Thailand, the question before history is this:
Will it choose guaranteed peace—or play with fire and risk losing the world’s trust?
If Thailand continues to play with fire, it will not only burn its own border but may also burn itself on the international stage.
“Quiet but Not Silent” Strategy: Patience as a Weapon of Peace and Law as Its Shield
Cambodia has steadfastly implemented the “Quiet but Not Silent” strategy—using political wisdom, justice, and diplomacy as tools to maintain and defend peace.
This approach demonstrates to the world that Cambodia, though a small nation, possesses the ability to wield international law as a weapon of peace, guided by patience, prudence, and responsibility. It sends a strong message that Cambodia resolves conflicts not through force, but through the rule of law and the defense of sovereignty.
This week is not merely a countdown to the signing ceremony; it is a test of honesty, honor, and political will for both nations as they seek to solidify peace through legal means.
Cambodia has fulfilled its obligations to ensure that the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is built upon legal foundations and public accountability. The Royal Government has acted not only as a signatory but also as a guarantor of genuine peace anchored in international law.
Thailand’s final decision before the signing will mark a historic milestone: will the Kuala Lumpur Peace be realized in practice—or remain a promise on paper?
If Thailand remains committed to the agreement, peace will become a shared national legacy for both countries. But if it continues to provoke or act unlawfully, such behavior would constitute a direct breach of international law and undermine Thailand’s credibility within ASEAN and beyond.
At this critical moment, Cambodia has made it clear that peace is not born of luck—it is the product of respect for international law and the spirit of cooperation.
Now, both countries must show the world that “peace” is more than a signature—it is a living practice that can secure a stable and prosperous future for the entire region.
*Conclusion
The Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement is far more than a formal signing between Cambodia and Thailand—it is a declaration of a new political identity, in which both nations have chosen to leave behind the shadows of conflict and step into an era of peace.
It is a historic compromise, with the United States and Malaysia—the current ASEAN chair—serving as guarantors. The direct presence of President Donald Trump adds significant international weight and prestige to the accord. Should Thailand fail to honor it, that would not merely be an affront to Cambodia, but also to the power and integrity of the United States itself.
True peace is not preserved through signatures alone, but through sincerity, genuine implementation, and the spirit of cooperation between both nations. If Thailand truly wishes to be seen as a civilized nation that respects international law, it must prove that peace is not rhetoric—it is action that defines national honor.
For Cambodia, this peace is the fruit of the “Quiet but Not Silent” strategy championed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, demonstrating that patience remains the strongest weapon in the pursuit of lasting peace.
Ultimately, the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord is not only an end to conflict but also a symbol of wisdom, diplomacy, and hope, reflecting two nations’ determination to turn lessons from the past into a more peaceful and honorable future.
